The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute held the policy summit to present findings on “The Way Forward Project,” a year-long effort that coordinated adoption experts from across the world.

“This is one of the first times that Pastor Warren participated in a CCAI event personally,” said CCAI Executive Director Kathleen Strottman to The Christian Post.

“Elizabeth Styffe, director of HIV/AIDS and Orphan Care Initiatives for Saddleback Church, was one of the 45 participants in the Way Forward Project.”

Warren has been active in adoption issues. In addition to holding forums on adoption in the past, Warren’s congregation, Saddleback Church, has a program called the “Orphan Care Connection.” This program provides information and resources on local and global adoption.

The summit took place during “National Adoption Month” and not long before “National Adoption Day,” November 19.

“National Adoption Day is a national day of celebration of adoptive families and an opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care,” said Strottman, whose organization is one of the sponsors for the celebration.

“Since 2000, more than 35,000 children have had their adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day.”

Other speakers at the event in Washington, D.C., included Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senators Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Representative Karen Bass (D-Calif.).

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute was founded in 2001. The bipartisan nonprofit is headquartered in Washington, D.C.